Pelletier’s wrestling singlet retired at Foxcroft Academy

DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Saturday, March 9 before the Foxcroft Youth Wrestling Tournament a special ceremony took place. Josh Pelletier, a 2006 graduate of Foxcroft Academy, had his singlet retired in front of a packed gymnasium. Pelletier is the second Pony wrestler to receive the honor — four-time state champion Jerod Rideout was the first.

“Josh made such an impact in our program and left such an incredible legacy here at FA,” Foxcroft head wrestling coach Luis Ayala said. “He was a hard worker at practice and always gave everything on the mat. He accomplished everything that he set his mind to because he worked hard for it.

Contributed photo
SINGLET RETIRING CEREMONY — 2006 Foxcroft Academy graduate Josh Pelletier, holding the plaque, became the second wrestler in school history to have his singlet retired, as Pelletier was honored prior to a youth tourney at the school on March 9. Pictured with Pelletier are his sister Christin and brother Caleb and Foxcroft head wrestling coach Luis Ayala.

“But what I am most proud of him is that he always gave back to his community. He would always come back during his breaks and stop by our wrestling practices and would work out with the guys. He would then talk to them on how to be a better wrestler and most important how to succeed as a person. He is a class act!”

Pelletier was a three-year varsity starter and during that time he won 110 career matches, was a three-time PVC, Eastern Maine and state champion. As a junior Pelleter placed sixth at the New England championship and during his senior season he won the New England title in the heavyweight division.

As a senior in 2006 Pelletier was voted The Portland Press Athlete of the Year, won the Dave Schulz High School Excellence Award and received The State of Maine Wrestler of the Year Award.

Pelletier went on to wrestle at Liberty University in Virginia. A three-year starter for the Flames, Pelletier picked up 66 career wins. In his junior season he placed second at the conference championship.

As a redshirt senior, Pelletier qualified to the NCWA National Tournament by winning the East Regionals. At nationals he reached the finals and placed second to become an All-American.

In 2013 Pelletier served as an assistant coach at Foxcroft and helped the Ponies win the team’s third state championship in a row. A year later he coached the University of Maine wrestling team’s inaugural season into the NCWAs. That season he helped qualify seven wrestlers for nationals.

Pelletier was inducted the State of Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.